Archive for the ‘business sign’ Category
No Comments The Small Business Show Features The Sign Depot
Talking (Sign) Shop
President/Owner of The Sign Depot, Peter Moir, spent some time talking shop and signs with Linda Ockwell-Jenner and Steve Bentley on The Small Business Show. The premise of The Small Business show is to feature members of the small business community and discuss what has has got them to where they are today. In the episode below you will hear Peter speak about what brought him to the signage industry and he sheds some light on how our sign shop runs day to day and year to year.
Behind The Scenes at The Sign Depot
As you may have noticed, we also gave Linda and Steve a behind the scenes tour of our production facility where we house our showroom, vinyl department and wood-working area. By keeping the majority of our production in-house we are able to control the project from beginning to end. This gives our customers piece of mind. They know they are receiving a top quality sign that has been crafted by our expert sign-makers. The sign that they receive will often exceed their expectations, which creates a long standing business relationship with our company. Finding suppliers that you can trust and rely on are the basis of any successful business to business relationship. It can assist with growing your business and creating a great brand in your industry.
Lessons Learned
Peter mentioned the lessons he has learned after being in business for more than 25 years. We hope by sharing these tips with the Small Business Show that we have inspired other small businesses in some way. Let us know in the comments what you thought of the show or any lessons you have learned from it. For more information about The Sign Depot be sure to visit our CONTACT US page and connect with us by email or our social channels.
Getting The Right Business Signs Can Make All The Difference
Business Signs You Will Need
We often have new business owners come to us unsure of what kind of business signs they need. There are several options, but we know that there are many costs involved in starting a new business venture so we want to ensure you get a great signage starter package that fits your brand.
According to Entrepreneur’s post on Creating Memorable Business Signs
“Great signs are always the most interesting piece of scenery in their vicinity. This is why they’re noticed even when people aren’t looking for them”
Below are the Top 3 Signs you will need to start your business.
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Custom Exterior Signs
Whether you need retail sign to advertise your restaurant or clothing store or an outdoor sign to let you people know you are doctor / lawyer / professional in the area, custom exterior signs are key to informing potential clients about your business.
These signs are a 24 hour advertisement for your business and should serve as memorable landmark. It should be made from outdoor quality materials that can weather the elements and the sign(s) should look attractive to your target market.
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Reception Signs
Once someone comes through your door, you know they have an interest in your business. This is where a fantastic reception sign can make a difference. Your entrance-way is a welcoming area where everyone should feel comfortable upon arrival.
The reception sign should be the focal point of the office / showroom / waiting room to reinforce brand recognition. It should work with all the other marketing materials there. IE it should have the same logo as the pamphlets, brochures and business cards that sit in that area.
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Wayfinding Signs
If someone has to ask which floor your office is on or where to find the exit, then you know you need to improve your wayfinding signs. They keep your clients informed without making them ask the awkward questions like “Where is the washroom?” or “Do you have an elevator?” Wayfinding and interior directory signs are often subtle signs that blend with the decor
and provide clear information.
The Next Steps For Your Business Signs
The above 3 types of signs are a great place to begin when it comes to starting a business. To further establish your business we also suggest, vehicle graphics, window decals, A-frame signs and signs for your trade shows. As you can see getting the right business signs can make all the difference when it comes to beginning a new business.
To get quotes on any of the signs listed on this post visit our CONTACT US page. We look forward to hearing from you and want to #StepUpYourSignage.
Client Spotlight – Cambridge Pallet Ltd. #StepUpYourSignage with Business Signs
Signs of Good Things To Come
Last year Cambridge Pallet Ltd. collaborated with Sign Depot on a new reception sign. You can read about the process at https://sign-depot.on.ca/collaborative-sign-design-cambridge-pallet. This also signified the commitment of a new ownership team that had recently been implemented and lots of changes to way the company operates including automation processes to make their workshop floor more efficient.
In preparation of Earth Day we visited the Cambridge Pallet Ltd. industrial workspace to learn about their Repair, Reuse, Recycle process.
During the tour we could see how the blue wooden pallets became the inspiration for their reception sign, which greets you as enter the building. Each of the pallets pictured above make their way through a system so that they can be sorted, repaired and painted in preparation to be shipped to the next user. This thriving business is located close to the highway to make it accessible for transportation and logistics purposes. Part of their mission is to be
Always acting with integrity and respect for the community and the environment
which is why we were so interested in seeing their facility and learning more about what they do. Because they make it a priority to minimize waste, conserve resources and protect the environment we think they will continue to have a very busy production line and become a leader in their industry.
Signs That Tell A Story
Does your business sign match your brand? Perhaps,just like Cambridge Pallet, your sign tells the story of your business. If your signs do not match your company and your brand, then we are here to help. We can assist with integrating your company story into your business signs which will elevate brand awareness for your business. Visit our CONTACT US page to connect with our expert sign designers.
Ways To Make Business Signs Part Of Your Marketing Mix In The New Year
Managing Modern Marketing
With the New Year just around the corner, now is the time to decide how your business will move forward in the coming year. Many business are finding it difficult to maneuver their way through a modern marketing plan and are looking for ways to update their marketing and advertising campaigns. We want to ensure your branding is at the forefront of your marketing mix, so we have put together a plan that is simple to incorporate and meant to elevate your business.
A Business Sign Is Your Best Branding Tool
An outdoor business sign is a 24 hour advertisement for your business. Make sure it represents what your company stands for and properly brands your establishment. It is best when choosing your business sign to select something that is highly visible. This mean it can be seen by both vehicle traffic and those passing by. You also want it to be memorable and create buzz around your business.
Is It Instagram Worthy?
Will it make it to IG? Did it get liked and shared on facebook? How many times was it re-pinned? Did they RT it? When it comes to modern marketing, nothing has changed the game the way social media has. It is important that your signage makes to masses, as many people spend a good part of their day on at least one social network. It is a way to get your messaging across many platforms to connect with both current and potential clients.
Your Influencers Can Be Found In Your Client List
Influence marketing is one of the best ways to keep your business current and on trend. All it takes is the right people talking to your target audience to create online buzz and potentially media attention. Often the influencers you need are already on your client list. Be sure to engage with your customers online by sharing their content and quite often they will reciprocate by sharing yours as well. They may even talk about your services and products online and refer others to you. This is a great way to get your brand in front of their audience and bring your business to those who may be unaware of it.
These are just a few ways that your business sign can used in a modern marketing mix. If you have other ideas or insights, please let us know by leaving a comment below.
What Consumers Think About Business Signs And Retail Signage
Your Business Sign Says A Lot About Your Company
A few years back FedEx Office asked American consumers about their thoughts on business signs and retail signage. The reason for the survey was to see how important signs are when making decisions on where to shop. The survey results revealed that almost 8 in 10 (76 percent) of American consumers enter a store they have never visited before based on its signage. It also went on to say nearly 7 in 10 (68 percent) have actually purchased a product or service because a sign caught their eye. These stats are eye opening to many business owners. In fact we have had our clients tell us that their sales increased significantly after they had the expert signmakers at The Sign Depot create new signage for their company. We even had a business owner tell us that after he purchased a sign from The Sign Depot that he received new business from people who thought they had just opened. They had no idea that his business had opened a year earlier.
Ensure Your Business Sign Makes An Impact
According to the survey mentioned above, over two thirds (68 percent) of consumers believe a store’s signage is reflective of the quality of products or services it provides. It also mentioned that poor signage or signs in need of repair deterred people from entering a business. Be sure that your exterior business signs make a positive impact on potential clients. You want to ensure your signage is highly visible at all times, as your sign is a 24 hour advertisment for your business.
Plenty Of Signs Might Equal Plenty Of Sales
If you’re a fan of The Big Bang Theory you will recognize the quote from Leonard’s Mother “If a little is good, more must be better.” Consumers also feel that way when it comes to signage. The FedEx survey mentioned that on average, consumers think a small business should have two or three signs around its storefront. In addition this, we also believe that interior retail signs, reception signs and wayfinding signage also assist potential clients with finding what they need in your establishment.
Is your business ready for an upgrade? Be sure to visit our CONTACT US page and we will be happy to send you a FREE QUOTE for new business signs and retail signage for your company.
Bringing Business Signs And Branding To The Forefront
Business Sign Strategy
Here at The Sign Depot we can carry out numerous tasks to help you get your business branding working for you. Your business sign and company wide signage stragey can show you as an industry leader and can propel you to the top!
See Four Of Our Sign Depot Videos All In One Spot
At times the options you have for business signs can be overwhelming so to give you some good starting spots, hover over the image below and click on the coloured arrows. Let our videos give you a basis of where you want to direct your attention when it comes to your business signs.
Whether you signs are for a small company or a large corporation, we have lots of options to fit your needs and budget.
We specialize in the following
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Retail And Point Of Sale Signs
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Reception Signs
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Exterior Building And Storefront Signs
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Restaurant Signs
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Parking Lot Signs
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Dimensional Sign Structures
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Architechtural Signs
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Wayfinding And Directional Signs
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Accessibility Signs
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Farm Signs
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Heritage Signs
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Window Decals
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Car Graphics
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LED lit signs
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Roadside Attraction Sign Structures
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Meeting Room Signs
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Cubicle Indicator Signs
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The type of signs you need
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The size required for the sign
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The budget you want to work with
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The logo, colours, text and graphics you want on it, or if you require it to be designed by The Sign Depot
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Whether you need The Sign Depot to install the sign, or if your company will be taking care of the installation
Business Sign Grants And Funds
Investing In Local Businesses
Many businesses are looking for economical ways to raise awareness of their company in hopes to increase profits. Mashable suggests that brick and motar businesses should act like startups when it comes to funding. That is one of the many approaches that businesses should look at when it comes to their finances. Another way is to look into grants and funds that the local area has to offer. Many City Halls and Business Improvement Associations offer Facade Grant Programs to revitalize areas in their communities.
Facade Grants And Funds
Many Facade Upgrade programs see business signage as a big part of improving storefronts and streetscapes. They will want to know that you are working with a professional sign maker before the approval process can begin.
Steps To Sign Up For A Business Sign Upgrade
There are several steps in acquiring approval for a Facade Grant. These are some starting points to find out how much your business qualifies for when it comes to funds and grants.
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Talk to an expert sign maker about what type of sign you will want to have placed on your storefront
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Let them know if they should request the sign permit or if you will be taking the task on yourself
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Contact the administrator of the grant/fund program to find out about any stipulations and/or timelines you need to meet
Although this may seem like a big task to undertake, a grant can take your business from this
to this
You can read more about this Business Sign Project on our post about giving Downtown Kitchener A Facelift
Below are list of 10 areas in Ontario that are offering Facade Upgrade Grants. If you think your company qualifies for a new business sign, be sure to Contact Us and we can help start the process!
Sign Depot Business Client Spotlight – Zenia Horton Of XTEA CO And Zen Design
Get To Know Zenia Horton
1. Zenia can you tell us a bit about businesses?
My name is Zenia Horton and I am the owner /operator a kitchen design business by the name of Zen Design.
Out of my love of design and relationships I founded a loose leaf tea company by the name of XTEA CO.
2. What makes your company unique from others in your industry?
What makes XTEA CO unique is that we only sell premium, artisan and trade tea. Premium means that we are committed to offering you the highest quality, outrageously flavourful tea that the world has to offer- a commitment to sourcing sustainable product first. Artisan means we are committed to our partners around the globe, their communities and the individual artisans who help us create unforgettable taste experiences- a commitment to giving you the freedom to create along side us. Trade means that we are committed to “better than fair trade” and sourcing with integrity, a commitment to fairness, equality, and looking out for the little guy. After all, we are a little guy too!3. How do people find out about your businesses?
People find out about XTEA CO mainly through referrals but we have an online store, www.xteaco.com a facebook page, and an YouTube video as well.4. Can you tell us a bit about being located in Downtown Kitchener?
XTEA CO is located downtown Kitchener in a space called THE UNDERGROUND. It is awesome location as you are part of a community that is constantly creating events and opportunities to be involved in. I also let others share the space with us as well.
5. Do you have one expert tip that you can share?
The one expert tip I would share is that tea does not need artificial seasonings or flavourings to taste amazing if it is good quality tea. Tea can fix anything from digestive problems, low energy, lack of focus, anxiety etc to name a few. My industry is growing very quickly. After water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world. People, especially young people are starting to pay a lot more attention to what they are putting in their bodies. They are starting to understand the health benefits assocociated with tea. Last year, Starbucks dropped more than $600 million dollars to acquire 300 of the Teavana chain stores, 59 of them in Canada.
Sign Depot Business Client Spotlight – The Bauer Kitchen’s Amandah Wood
Get To Know Amandah Wood
1. Amandah can you tell us about your role at The Bauer Kitchen?
As New Media Culturalist for the Charcoal Group, I manage The Bauer Kitchen’s online community through their Twitter account @thebauerkitchen and their Facebook page. In addition I was brought on to update the overall online presence of TBK, by developing a new website, that functions on every device and represents the TBK brand more effectively. The new site reflects TBK’s upbeat, soho image and allows guests to make reservations, browse food and drink menus and check out upcoming events. I love being able to interact with TBK’s guests online everyday, the restaurant has a vibrant community and loyal regulars which makes my job really rewarding.
2. What drew you to this role?
I was originally recommended to Jody Palubiski (Managing Partner of the Charcoal Group) and Cindy Perri (Brand Guardian) by a friend on Twitter who had been following the stuff I had been working on during my Bachelor’s degree. I reached out to Jody and Cindy and we discussed how my experience might make me the kind of person they were looking for. I was about to graduate from the New Media program at Ryerson University and was overjoyed at the possibility of working for a group that had been such a huge part of my life growing up in Kitchener-Waterloo region. Time and again the group has proved not only their excellence in service and food but they truly believe in supporting local, and hand crafting every possible element of the dining experience. They also embrace new technology and innovation and try to think outside of the box. I knew I would have no trouble representing a restaurant that aligned so perfectly with things I care so deeply about. This is what really drew me to the role.3. The restaurant industry has a lot of competition. What do you do to make sure that The Bauer Kitchen stands out?
The short answer to this is that the incredible team at TBK makes it easy. Conrad and his team are consistent when it comes to attention to detail, positivity, and passionate service. Chef Brian leads a culinary team as equally passionate in their craft and supporting the local food community surrounding them.
4. What do you think are some of the deciding factors that keep customers coming back to The Bauer Kitchen?
Consistency & passion. Business folks bring their clients for meetings because they know they’ll get the same great experience every time. Friends come back because they love the diverse selection of cocktails and the upbeat environment that makes it ideal for socializing. Wine lovers know they’ll always find something they like as our sommelier Jake keeps the extensive wine list ever changing and of course the delicious, delicious food. Together, this team exudes this passion that all of the Charcoal Group restaurants have, and that, is truly magnetic.
5. How do you attract new clientele to the establishment?
By always thinking two-steps ahead. We use technology to our advantage. the maegan™ platform is a good example of this by introducing new ways for a guest to use the restaurant experience. We are always asking ourselves “what’s next?”.We also love socializing events like Cinq a Sept, that reflect the casual and social nature of The Bauer Kitchen and the community surrounding it. Every Thursday between 5pm to 7pm we encourage people to join us around the bar for drinks and good conversation, we also provide complimentary appetizers that offer a sample of our menu. Teaming up with other local businesses is such a great way to build connections and introduce us to new markets. For example, using local suppliers like the Bauer Butcher and Caudle’s Catch on our menus, Promotional Elements for parts of our employee’s uniforms and retail program in the Bakery, Sign Depot for signage needs, local contractors for architectural elements, offer in restaurant promotion like our last one with Goliger’s travel, Centre in the Square and Spike Mobile for additional promotions, and supporting local arts and technology (ie. maegan and Communitech) in events. That’s just a few off the top of my head, there’s too many to mention but we are always interested in connections.Mostly we reach out into the community and leverage word of mouth via regular guests and those who have enjoyed their experiences in the past.
Sign Depot Business Client Spolight – Stephanie Tanner Of Little Mushroom Catering
Get To Know Stephanie Tanner
1. Steph can you tell us what made you decide to get into the catering business?
Since I was a young teen I was often in the kitchen cooking for my family. My first job outside of babysitting was at a local restaurant called La Costa. I started out as the hostess, then learned other positions in the restaurant including some fun shifts in the kitchen prepping meat, making salads, and plating desserts. I worked in restaurants all through highschool and both of my University degrees, on my road to becoming a high school teacher. When I moved back to town with my first child only a year old I wasn’t so sure that teaching was the right field for me. I started working in the restaurant in the Centre in the Square and quickly moved up to having more responsibilities there, including managing our off-site catering functions. I had worked in catering businesses before and loved going into people’s homes for cocktail parties, or setting up party stations at larger events. When the restaurant eventually closed, I was left with a decision to make. Did I go back to teaching? Did I start on the bottom rung at another local restaurant? Or did I create my own job? It was time for me to venture into business ownership doing what I love to do – making people happy with great food & friendly service.2. The catering industry has a lot of competition. What makes your company unique?
I have several food sensitivities including nuts and shellfish. Many people have called me out as the pickiest cook they know because I can’t stand mushrooms (Ironic, I know!) and would never order a steak. At Little Mushroom we take allergies, food sensitivities and even “particularness” into consideration when planning menus to make sure that there is something for everyone at the event. We also offer full-service catering for everything from breakfast meetings to business lunches, cocktail events to wedding receptions and even funerals. A lot of places in town just offer drop offs of sandwich platters but go beyond with our friendly knowledgeable staff and delicious local fare.
3. How do new clients find Little Mushroom Catering?
We are active on social media @CateringFungi on Twitter, you can connect with me on LinkedIn and you can Like us on Facebook. You can find all our menus on-line at www.littlemushroomcatering.ca or call us at 226-929-7927. We also have a consultation & tasting room at 32 Ontario Street if you’d like to pop in to say hello.
4. Can you tell us a bit about your new location?
I recently purchased Nom Nom Treats, a cookie company that puts your logo on edible swag for tradeshows, client appreciation events, or just to have out for people at the office. The bakery for Nom Nom is located in the back half of the storefront at 32 Ontario Street. I’m happy to now have office space and a place to meet with clients in the front half that isn’t surrounded by our fridges and stoves at our prep kitchen on Whitney Place.
5. Do you have one kitchen tip that you can share?
Here’s a tip for life that definitely translates to the kitchen: be aware of your surroundings – for safety actually in the kitchen, but also in regards to what is available locally.6. How do you see your role changing in the coming years?
I’ve recently been stepping away from the kitchen and leaving things in the capable hands of my full-time chefs & baker. Instead my focus is on client relations and experience. I have a wonderful new business development coordinator and an event coordinator who also help keep the train on the track for me so I can focus on the tasks of a business owner & ensuring my clients have the best experience possible.
